Tours and Experiences - Pitstops for Kids

Main Salmon River rafting trip with O.A.R.S.

August 3, 2020 By Amy Hagstrom

The best—and nearly only—way to experience the 2.3 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness of Central Idaho is by whitewater raft down the Main Salmon River. The route along the Wild and Scenic section of the Salmon runs 80 miles and requires extensive whitewater experience and permits…or can be booked with an adventure outfitter like O.A.R.S.

Why choose the Main Salmon with O.A.R.S.?

The O.A.R.S. Main Salmon River trip takes five nights, six days and delivers families through pristine high desert and forested wilderness. Multiple outfitters take this course, but we recommend O.A.R.S for many reasons, including stellar guest service, the comfort of good food and camps, and river expertise.

The Salmon River remains undammed for over 400 miles, and the Frank Church Wilderness is alive with prehistoric, native, and pioneering history, as well as wildlife. O.A.R.S. guides are knowledgeable about both, able to educate guests along the way with nature talks, history lessons, and wildlife spotting. If that’s not enough for you, this O.A.R.S. itinerary employs no fewer than five modes of transportation down the river: guests can ride in an oar boat, dory, paddleboat, inflatable kayak (called a ducky), or stand-up paddle board (SUP).

What to expect on the Main Salmon:

All five nights along the Main Salmon with O.A.R.S. are spent on sandy beach campsites along the river, with tents and sleeping bags and pads provided. Guests start the trip in McCall, Idaho, where a pre-trip meeting takes place the night before departure. This is the time to ask last-minute questions, get your dry bags to pack belongings in, and meet your trip leader. During our meeting, we met Trip Leader Diego, as well as the other guests on the trip. Diego gave us a weather report—our trip would be hot and dry—and final tips on packing—we’d need two water bottles each, plus lots of sun protection. Our trip included 11 guests total: my multigenerational family of two teens, myself, and my father, plus one more father and son, one mother with two sons, and one couple. In total, we had five kids ages 12-16 and six adults.

The next morning, our trip started at 7 am with an amazing chartered flight from McCall to Salmon, Idaho in 2-8 passenger planes. We watched out the windows as the rugged peaks and mountain meadows passed below us, knowing we were essentially being deposited into our wilderness area. From Salmon, a rather brutally long bus ride took us to the put-in point along the river, where we were set to depart at the start of the Wild and Scenic section at Corn Creek. We stopped along the way of this two-hour ride at a small store where we could purchase any extra drinks we’d like on the trip. O.A.R.S. provides enough soda, wine, and beer for guests to have approximately two drinks per evening; extra is allowed in moderation. We could also grab any extra items we’d forgotten at this point, such as batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, or water bottles. All extra drink purchases become communal unless requested otherwise.

Once we arrived at Corn Creek, we met the rest of our guides who’d be joining us for our week on the Salmon. We had a great crew, as I always have with O.A.R.S.: guides Amber, Morris, and Prester, as well as college-aged gear guides (rowing only gear, not guests) Rose and Dakota. All are essential to the trip and all interact with the guests. We got dialed in on rafting safety (Day 1 of any trip includes multiple talks on protocol and safety) and were on the river before lunch.

We rafted only an hour or so before stopping to eat on a sandy bank, during which we learned about dining protocol—hand washing, water bottle filling, and trash clean up—and were introduced to the inflatable kayak ‘duckies’. These solo-passenger rafts are popular but require just a bit of skill. Anyone wanting to raft the river in duckies needed to take a ‘swim test’ before we left the lunch spot. This test involves paddling the ducky in an eddy, purposely flipping it over, and getting oneself back in in deep water. This sounds intimidating, but with tips from the guides, everyone in our group who took the test, from the teens to the grandfather, passed.

We rafted another three hours or so, navigating through our first rapids, Killum, Gunbarrel, and Rainer, before landing at our first night’s camp. Here, we learned all about camping protocol, including how to create a ‘fire line’ to off-load the boats of gear (everyone helps) to how to set up our tents and where to find our sleep kits (which included sleeping bags, tarps, and pillows). We also became acquainted with the ‘Unit’ at this point, sometimes called the ‘Groover’. This portable toilet system is required by all rafting parties on the river as part of the Leave No Trace principles followed. It takes some getting used to if you don’t spend a lot of time in the outdoors, but embrace the Unit: after all, it’s the only option.

After setting up camp, we found ample time to play, swim, and get to know one another better through conversation over cold beers and sodas. Our guides surprised us with several beach toys brought out from the depths of the boats, including frisbee games and a fun washer game similar to horseshoes. A salmon dinner was followed by more community time around the ‘circle’ (of chairs), where adults conversed and kids brought out card games. Around 8 pm, the summer heat was broken by a spectacular thunderstorm and hail storm: we all dug out rain jackets and scurried to the sanctuary of our tents to wait it out. For most of us, this was the only night on the trip we didn’t sleep out under the stars and bright moon.

The next morning, the coffee call came around 7 am, followed by breakfast of huckleberry pancakes, sausage, and fruit at 8 am. We packed up camp around 8:30, filled up our water bottles with filtered river water, and were back on the boats before 9 am. The next five days followed the same general routine: coffee call, breakfast, camp breakdown, rowing on the water interspersed with challenging rapids, hikes to historic points, or wildlife, lunch, more river time, arrival at camp, playtime both in the water and on the sand, appetizers and drinks, dinner, and community time. As guests, we set up our own tents and helped on and offload boats, but never cooked or planned any of the itinerary.

Each day on the river brought something new: on Day 2, we floated past a hot springs (and would have stopped had the temperature not been nudging 100 degrees) and stopped to look at Native American petroglyphs, on Day 3, we toured a historic cabin and ranch once owned by river legend Jim Moore, on Day 4, we stopped at hermit Buckskin Bill’s homestead and store, and on Day 5, we hiked a short distance to an old-growth yew tree grove and the foundation of a Chinese mining claim.

Each morning and at each lunch break, guests can decide which type of raft to ride in or paddle: I liked to alternate between the paddle raft, where guests help paddle, the dory, which sits higher on the water and cuts through rapids with precision and grace, and the duckies, which takes more concentration with bigger rewards. When we needed a break, we could sit back and relax on a gear boat, rowed by guide Morris, who regaled his passengers with stories and tales. The kids gravitated to Morris’ boat as well, but mostly clamored for time in the duckies and on the SUP (allowed in small rapids and riffles, after kids have proven themselves).

Evening entertainment took on varied forms as well: we played games of ultimate frisbee and card games, played in the water during kayak wars and SUP practice, and even made a ‘raft slide’ of an overturned paddle raft. During two magical evenings, we were treated to talks by the campfire circle on local history and conservation by geology teacher turned river guide Morris. Meals were excellent and varied from Day 1 to Day 6, and to a person, our six guides were hard working, fun-loving, and responsible.

By Day 3, we’d hit a stride of river life that truly fell into pace with the current. Without screens or smart phones, we slowly felt the tethers of day-to-day demands fall away, to be replaced by a quiet rhythm of sunshine, river water, and fun companionship. By Day 6, we felt so acclimated to river life it felt odd to return to civilization: trucks on the road overlooking the river on the last day felt jarring after so many days without the sound of them and day trippers felt like intruders. While we were ready for a shower and to call loved ones with news of our trip, we never felt uncomfortable on the river: with some much time in the water, we didn’t feel as dirty or grimy as we might backpacking.

Tips for a successful O.A.R.S. trip:

Remember you’re in a communal environment. This means helping out with gear, respecting rules and people, being considerate (please don’t cut in line at lunch or take the best tent site every night), and acting to keep rafts and camp clean and safe. O.A.R.S. makes sure a hand-washing station (a rather ingenious bucket and hose contraption) is available before every meal and at every ‘bathroom’ location, and everyone is expected to use it to keep germs at a minimum in such an intimate environment. Parents, don’t just do all the above yourself; teach kids to follow rules and be considerate as well.
Expect to follow Leave No Trace guidelines. This means all trash, even ‘micro-trash’ such as table scraps, must be disposed of in the designated containers, because everything packed in will be packed out. It also means you’ll be expected to follow Unit protocol, which does have some rules involved. For instance, liquid waste goes in a different place than solid waste, as does toilet paper and feminine products. Yes, this is gross to think about, but the sooner you leave your inhibitions behind, the better. The Unit is always set up in a discrete place at camp, and while it’s odd to go to the restroom in a place without walls or a door, it affords a beautiful view, and there’s a system to ensure some privacy. Wondering what the ‘Unit’ is, exactly? It’s a metal bucket with a toilet seat attached, which can be seated shut between camps. Does it smell? Not as badly as a pit toilet or port-a-potty. Is plumbing preferable? Sure, but it’s better than being the cause of waste left in camps that will be used by numerous rafters all summer.
Follow the packing list. Our trip was a hot one, with days over 100 degrees, but I was still glad to have my rain gear when we encountered that thunderstorm. And you never know when the weather will change, so you can bet I had my fleece and base layers at the bottom of my bag, albeit untouched.
Don’t expect showers, cell service, or cold water in your water bottle, though you can expect excellent, fresh food and cold drinks at the end of each day. It’s amazing what can be packed into the O.A.R.S. coolers: we had steak on our last night, and fresh nectarines our last morning.
Bring two sun hats and two pairs of sunglasses each. Sunglasses get lost or broken easily, and sun hats are just to precious to be without. Sunscreen is crucial as well, of course.
Don’t expect O.A.R.S. to control the weather or the river (though you can expect them to navigate it with expertise). The natural elements of any river trip must be respected.
Expect rules. There’s an inherent danger in any whitewater rafting trip, and while many freedoms are afforded on the water and in camp, rules are in place for a reason. We found that when we proved to our guides that our teens would listen to and respect rules right from Day 1, more privileges were granted. We love rafting with O.A.R.S. because we feel safe, but not coddled. Our boys were able to push themselves on the water, rafting every rapid in duckies if they wished, and some on the SUP. They were able to explore around camp and even sleep solo on a beach around the corner from us. They loved the freedoms they’d earned.

A comparison of O.A.R.S. Salmon River to O.A.R.S. Rogue River:

Both river trips are excellent family trips, though the Salmon requires kids be age 12 and up in high water (spring and early summer). Both offer 5-6 day trips filled with incredible scenery, though the Salmon is largely high desert and canyon while the Rogue is more heavily forested with more dramatic canyon walls. We found the same level of guide service on both rivers.

On the Salmon, the trip begins with the scenic flight from McCall, a bonus treat, and includes rafting on dories in addition to rafts. Duckies and SUPs can be found on both rivers.

Ready to book? Get more generalized O.A.R.S. booking tips and read our Rogue River report.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Salmon River as guests of O.A.R.S., for the purpose of review.

Germany with kids: Five Bavarian cities not to miss

December 9, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If the Germany of your imagination is storybook towns, medieval villages, vineyards and church steeples, you need to include the region of Bavaria (and its subsection of Franconia) in your European trip plans.

Germany with kids: 5 Bavarian cities not to miss!

After touring Germany with Vantagetravel.com, I compiled a collection of not-to-miss destinations throughout Bavaria that will satisfy kids’ need for fun and exploration and parents’ desire for history; good food, wine and beer; and shopping. Here’s where to go:

Heidelberg:

This university city is bustling with students and industry, but a compact yet vibrant old town (Altstadt) can be found at its center. This oldest part of the city is filled with historic buildings, market squares, and views of the Schloss Heidelberg (Heidelberg Castle).

In the center of the marketplace is the Heiliggeistkirche, or Church of the Holy Ghost. Nearby, the Alte Brücke (Old Bridge) spans the Neckar River, joining the two sides of historic Heidelberg. A visit to the Heidelberg Castle is a must, and getting there is half the fun: a funicular delivers travelers to the castle walls (ticket sales for both the castle and the ride up are at the base).

If there’s time, families can also see the Philosopher’s Walk, named by poets in the age of Romanticism in literature in the early 1800s. Also be on the lookout in the shop windows for the Studentenkuss, or Student’s Kiss, a popular chocolate candy.

Würzburg:

Located on the Main River in the heart of the Franconian wine region, Würzburg wows with the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and palace of a prince bishop. Comparable to Europe’s other great Baroque palaces, the residence was constructed in 1720 and tours are available indoors and outside (don’t miss the gardens).

After touring the residence, head to the Marienkapelle, the chapel that is the gateway to the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown. On Saturdays, a farmer’s market offers food stands and samples, and year-round, shopping is abundant.

Parents won’t want to miss the Alte Mainbrücke, or pedestrian bridge across the Main. Look for the walk-up wine bars, where you can grab a glass of Franconian wine to take to-go. (You’ll be given a token with your glass of wine, which you can use to get a refund on the cost of your wine glass if you opt not to keep it.)

Above the bridge, a pedestrian walkway winds up the hill through vineyards to the fortress of the bishop, which affords fantastic views of the city, plus ice cream and refreshments in the summer months.

Bamberg:

The fairytale charm of Bamberg is hard not to fall for, as its entire town center is a UNESCO site. The Bamberger Dom is the central cathedral, open to the public, near the Neue Residenz, or palace of this town’s prince bishop.

Families can stroll through town enjoying the quaint shops and arched bridges leading through clocktowers (yes, it looks like a Disney set), but you definitely must stop for a smoked beer at Schlenkerla Smoked Beer Brewery, dating back to 1405. The hops are smoked over a beechwood fire, and the beer is still tapped directly from wooden barrels. Pub food is available too, if you can get a table.

Regensburg:

The charm of Regensburg, which lies on the Danube, is in its abundant shopping amid medieval streets. St. Peter’s Cathedral dominates, but is sometimes outshone by the Old Stone Bridge crossing over the Danube. Visit the town hall, which once served as the seat of parliament with an original torture chamber during the middle ages.

It’s easy to lose track of time window shopping or dipping in and out of small stores while exploring the narrow streets and alleyways of Historic Old Town, but you’ll need sustenance. The Sausage Kitchen by the old stone bridge boasts the best sausages in town, but we recommend the German tapas at Gravenreuther.

Nürnberg:

While Nürnberg has its own medieval castle and a charming old town with centuries-old city walls, it’s best known for it’s WWII history. This is the place to teach kids more about the Nazi Party and the damage it inflicted worldwide, starting at the Documentation Center and Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, which can be viewed with ticketed entry. There’s a great museum on-site, and while all exhibits are displayed in German, audio guides are available. The subject matter can be difficult at times for sensitive or young children, and I encourage parents to prep kids ahead of time for images and content involving the Holocaust.

You can also see Courtroom 600, where the Nuremberg Trials took place after the war. It’s located in the Palace of Justice in a neighboring city (only about 15 minutes away from the Documentation Center), because Nürnberg was so severely bombed during the war.

When you’re ready for some brevity, head to old town Nürnberg, where you can visit the Toy Museum and Lebkuchen Schmidt, one of the cities best bakeries selling their specialty, gingerbread (in season). And be sure to try a late lunch at Wirtshaus Hütt’n, just off the main square, for an authentic Bavarian meal!

Have you been to Bavaria? What cities are your favorite and why?

Roe Outfitters review: Sunset cruise on Klamath Lake

July 8, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

While visiting the Klamath Basin with your family, absolutely make time for an outdoor adventure trip with Roe Outfitters. Darren Roe and his team are professionals, have been in the business for almost 30 years, and are long-time partners with the Running Y Ranch. Families can book tours directly at the resort (just look for the desk in the lobby) or call Roe Outfitters directly to book a tour.

Roe offers whitewater rafting on the Klamath and Rogue rivers, fly fishing and birding trips, guided hunting trips, and family excursions that can include kayaking, hiking, rafting, birding, or, in our case, jet boating on Klamath Lake.

The Klamath Lake Cruise offered by Roe is described as a ‘sunset cruise’. Sounds stately and relaxing, right? My kids were worried about this…until we got underway and they became engrossed in the thrill of fast jet boating and high-action thrills. When I suggested to owner Darren Roe that he should rename the cruise the ‘adventure cruise’, he gave the answer that, in my opinion, is the signature of a great tour leader: he adapts this cruise to his guests, and knew our kids wanted something high-energy and high-excitement.

He was right: my kids (ages 8-14), were all smiles, their attention on Darren, from the moment they stepped onto the boat and were allowed help drive it. They took turns riding on the bow, getting splashed by spray, and hanging on as the jet boat took crazy-fun turns. In-between the excitement, Darren engaged them with contests for who could spot the first bald eagle (we all lost to our guide), taught us all about the unique properties of the lake (we didn’t know it was the largest west of the Mississippi yet very shallow, or that it produces harvestable algae), and pointed out numerous wildlife.

Upon departing the boat, my kids declared Roe ‘one of the good ones’, and while that doesn’t sound like an over the top endorsement, I assure you it is. My kids take a lot of outdoor trips and tours, and they’re stingy with their compliments. The operators who get their approval offer hands-on learning and active engagement: from the start, Darren Roe asked for the kids’ help, gave them ‘jobs’ on the boat, and knew just how to act with kids…and won them over instantly.

While on vacation, we understand that families sometimes must choose between several tour opportunities, experiencing perhaps only one. If this is the case, save your one for Roe: you’ll get a high return for your money with these guys. We can’t wait to be back to experience their river rafting!

Date last visited:

June 2013

Rates:

$65/adults, $60 for kids 3-10.

Book through:

http://roeoutfitters.com

Directions:

Roe is located at 9349 Highway 97 in Klamath Falls, though if you’re staying at The Running Y Resort, they’ll often be pick you up.

Disclaimer: we experienced the sunset cruise as guests of Roe Outfitters, for the purpose of review. This hospitality came with no expectation of a positive review.

What to do in Oceanside California with kids

June 6, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

We all know San Diego and Carlsbad are great for kids, but if you’re overlooking Oceanside, you’re missing the opportunity for a prime vacation that includes beachfront, a funky town, and easy access to the best of San Diego county. They say Oceanfront is ‘rising’ for a reason. Here’s what not to miss with kids or without:

Around town:

Surf lessons: Oceanside has a long surfing history (be sure to stop in at the small surf museum downtown). Whitlock Surf Experience has surf lessons for all abilities, or if you already know how to surf, you can hire a surf guide to show you local favorite spots! Tip: be sure to check out the small but thorough surf museum a few blocks inland, too.

Scooters: Ride Oside offers fat tire electric scooter bikes, the way to see Oceanside for parents and older kids and teens. You can rent them on your own or opt for a guided tour. They’re located just up from the beach at 306 N. Cleveland Street.

Helicopter rides: Waverider Helicopter Tours is a two-person operation out at the Oceanside airport, just three miles from the pier. Their prices are per ride, not per person, making them a really good value for up to three passengers at a time. We tried out their 10-minute scenic tour of the Pacific, but there are a range of options that work well for both families and date night. If you have more than three people, no worries: for the shorter flights, everyone just takes turns. For date night, they offer tours that stop in wine country or at sunset or night.

Pier and harbor fun:

Beach time: California has public beaches galore, and in Oceanside, the Strand stretches multiple blocks, with beach access. Children’s playgrounds dot this pedestrian and car promenade, and there are public lifeguard stands all throughout. Head out on the pier for a meal at Ruby’s, and rent beach gear, bikes, and surreys right below the pier area (where you’ll also find shave ice and other snacks).

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: boards and kayaks can be rented at the harbor (about one mile from the pier). You can either use them in the calm water right at the harbor or go outside the wall to enjoy some swells, too.

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Marriott

Located one block from the beach, this Marriott hotel is far from cookie-cutter. It features a fun, modern design with a 2nd floor outdoor deck space for lounging, a rooftop pool and hot tub, a nicely appointed fitness room, WiFi, and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are spacious with balconies and bathtubs, and while only valet parking is available, several city lots are within a block or two.

Note: there is construction currently in the works in front of the hotel (which will eventually result in another hotel going up on the beach), so right now, there is some construction noise. The Marriott is very nicely sound-proofed, however; once I closed my balcony door, I could hardly hear the construction, and of course, it’s absent at night. There are ear plugs and white noise machine in the rooms for you, however.

Read our guide to dining in Oceanside.

Five stops along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper and Banff National Parks

April 25, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re visiting both Jasper and Banff national parks on your Canadian Rockies vacation (and you should be!), you will drive the Icefields Parkway connecting the two parks. This 3 hour stretch has been described as one of the most scenic highways in the world, and after our fall 2013 visit, I concur. The parkway takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive, but families will definitely want to stop along the way. Where to plan you pit stops:

Sunwapta Falls:
About 30 km from Jasper, you’ll come to Sunwapta Falls. Signage clearly marks this point-of-interest, but you can also spot it by the resort and restaurant sitting roadside. Stop for a snack or trip to the restroom, but definitely drive beyond the resort to the falls, which can be viewed from above next to the parking lot or from a footbridge a few yards down. The falls are impressive (yes, even if you’ve been to Jasper’s Maligne Canyon), and even though this isn’t a hiking location, it’s a great place for photos and to let kids stretch their legs.

Icefield Centre:
Athabasca Glacier lies at the approximate halfway point of the Icefields Parkway, as visitors steadily climb up into the mountains from either direction. At the glacier you’ll find the Icefield Centre, a huge building run by Brewster’s Canada. On-site is a restaurant and cafe, plus hotel rooms and a large observation deck. On the ground level is Brewster’s Glacier Adventure.

One look out onto the glacier from the deck, and your kids will see what Glacier Adventure is, and probably want to do it: visitors board bus-sized all-terrain vehicles and drive out onto the ice, where they can stand out on the glacier. Sounds cool, but is it worth the $49/adults and $25/kids ticket price? That depends on what you want out of it: if you want to be able to say you’ve walked on a glacier or simply love cool vehicles, the answer is yes. If you expect an adventurous experience or a hike, the answer is no.

The vehicles, called Ice Explorers, take you along a short but steep road (the second steepest commercial road in North America, to be exact) leading onto the ice. Once there, they park in a snowplowed area the size of a small parking lot along with other Ice Explorers and let you out to walk on the snow. What we liked most about the experience: the interesting facts presented by our guide. Note: Expect to get your feet wet unless wearing waterproof boots, and bring gloves and a jacket.

Parker Ridge trailhead:
There are multiple trailheads along Icefields Parkway, all clearly marked (and most with parking areas and decent pit toilets). One of manageable length for a brief stop is Parker Ridge, which lies just beyond the Icefield Centre toward Banff. The 3 km round-trip hike offers views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and Mt. Castleguard on a clear day.

Peyto Lake and Bow Summit:
Peyto is a short road-side hike to the lake, with the option of hiking further toward Bow Summit for alpine wildflower viewing and meadows. This is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway. Picnic tables make this a great place to stop and picnic and photographers will be happy!

Lake Louise:
Only 57 km from Banff, Lake Louise is a must-do stop, if not an overnight or all-day excursion. From the Lake Louise exit, the lakeshore is only a few kilometers away. Park in the large parking lot and walk to the lake to take in the views and snap some photos, gawk at beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and, if time permits, take a hike. The lake loop is an easy walk for kids of all ages, but if you have time, we recommend the 7 km round trip ascent to Lake Agnes (trail departs directly from Lake Louise). For your efforts, you’re rewarded with tea, coffee, or a snack at the picturesque Lake Agnes Tea House at the top.

See our video review of more things to do in the Canadian Rockies:

Tip: Remember that you’ll pass the national park ticket booth on either end of the Icefields Parkway. At the time of this writing, admission to the parks was almost $10 per day for adults (almost $5 for kids) or a family fee of under $20 per day. You only need to pay once, and display a receipt on the dashboard of your car.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted for some activities along the Icefields Parkway, for the purpose of review.

How to plan college visits for your teen

March 30, 2019 By Amy Hagstrom

As a family who’s always loved learning on the go, we’re excited to be diving into a new version of educational travel: college touring for our teens. At first, figuring when, when, and how to plan college visits can feel daunting, but in fact, we’ve found the process to be fun, helpful, and even a little relaxing! With two teens at home, and one starting the college decision-making process in earnest, here are our best tips:

Start with ‘unofficial’ visits as you travel

There’s no need to go overboard touring colleges before your child is in 11th grade, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start the process earlier in a natural way. While we didn’t schedule any official visits until our oldest son was a junior in high school, we toured approximately six major universities unofficially in the past several years. How? We simply tacked visits to college campuses onto our vacation itineraries. When we went to Williamsburg, VA, we walked through the pretty campus of the College of William and Mary. When we were in Gettysburg, we stopped at Gettysburg College. And so on. These pre-college-age college tours (try saying that three times fast) proved a great introduction to not only what college campuses offered, but the idea that kids can go to college anywhere…not just near home.

Plan to see a variety of school types

Once you’re ready to officially tour colleges with your junior or senior, be sure to visit a variety. On our first ‘official’ college tour road trip, we visited four schools. One was a state school, the other three private. Two were in urban areas, two in rural areas. Two were quite large (over 20,000 students), and two were small (under 3,000 students). The ability to compare them all really helped my son see what was out there. While he still maintains that he prefers smaller, private schools, the state school we visited has programs we didn’t know existed, which could be a game changer. Even for bright students, college homework help is a decisive factor for us.

Make appointments for tours at least one month in advance

Schools definitely make it easy to find that ‘college tour’ or ‘visit campus’ button on their websites. From there, it’s easy to book a campus tour online. You can do so only a week in advance in some cases, but I advise planning earlier. Why? Campus tours fill up fast, especially during high school breaks, such as Spring Break. It’s also helpful to look to see if the college is planning anything special, such as full day visits or overnights (usually only for seniors). It’s good to take advantage of these, since more school personnel will be on-hand and special presentations may be planned.

Can’t get to your dream school for a pre-application visit? Go to a similar one closer to home.

My son has about 10 schools on his ‘maybe’ list, half of which are far-flung, from Colorado to Vermont. Since we live in Oregon, we don’t have the time or budget for him to visit every one of these schools before he applies. Instead, we’re visiting the half dozen we can get to more easily, including a few schools that have similar qualities to the distant ones. For example, he’s interested in a small, liberal arts private school in Vermont, with a big emphasis on outdoors programs and environmental science. Since we can’t get to that one in the immediate future, he’s going to visit a similarly structured school in Washington. The Washington school is not necessarily on his shortlist but will give him a feel for the general philosophy and campus life of the Vermont school. And who knows? Maybe he’ll love it! Of course, after he applies to colleges, he’ll go visit any he is accepted to personally.

Follow your favorite schools’ Facebook pages

If your favorite schools are fairly local, or even regional, to you, check their social media pages often for info on campus events. Major sporting events, community days, or even rallies can give you a good idea of campus culture and the student body. Attending something on campus that’s open to the public allows your teen to put him or herself into the action, getting a feel for what it might be like to be a student there. This is especially helpful if your official college tour was during a school break for the campus, such as summer or Spring Break.

Ask about college interviews, meetings, or specialty programs

College interviews are rarely required during visits, but can leave a good impression. They’re also an opportunity to ask questions about the campus culture or programs. If your teen is reluctant to do an interview with an admissions counselor, remind him or her that this is really an opportunity for him or her to interview the college, not the other way around. After all, at this point, they are ‘shopping’ for schools.

If your teen has a particular interest or major in mind, ask when you book a college tour whether you can also get a specialty tour tacked on. For example, when we visited a state school, we booked a second, shorter tour specifically of the science departments. You can ask for specialty tours of campus Honors Programs, music programs, or even sports programs. Do you want to play basketball while there? Meet with the coach. Thinking of joining a specific club you’ve heard about? Ask if someone might be available to answer your questions.

Bring siblings…if they can stand it

College tours can seem boring to younger siblings, but consider bringing your young kids to at least a few. It helps them picture what college actually looks like, and helps them envision themselves there someday. It also takes some of the mystery out of the ‘going to college’ process younger siblings hear so much about as their big brothers or sisters prepare. Our youngest was actually quite worried about his big brother going to college…which we didn’t realize until he had a chance to see what colleges were actually like.

Stay somewhere central to the schools you’re visiting

Sure, you’re touring colleges, but it can still be a fun vacation, right? If you’re only looking at one college in a location, stay somewhere touristy…play the role of vacationer while you’re there. If you’re visiting several schools in an urban area, as we were, stay at a central location to cut down on driving time. We recommend an airport hotel: it will offer perks such as a free breakfast and free parking, and be central to major interstates…and of course the airport. During our college tour through New York state and Connecticut, we stayed almost exclusively at Red Roof Inn PLUS locations. These hotels are comfortable and convenient, and after a few days, we began to think of their beckoning red roofs as a sign of home. In PLUS properties, you get nice linens and pillow choices, some have complimentary breakfast, and plus, you get complimentary healthy snacks and waters. If you check out Red Roof, definitely look for their PLUS locations, as these rooms elevate the stay to a higher level for a still-economical price…after all, college is expensive! We have to save our dimes. We were able to find PLUS locations in each of the cities we were visiting, plus by the airport before an early flight home.

Have fun!

Plan to visit some local attractions during your college tour trip. During our trip to Portland, we also visited the Oregon coast, always a favorite with my kids. We ate out at fun Portland institutions, and visited some urban parks and food trucks. Not only did playing the tourist help my son picture himself living in this city, but it gave us all much-needed breaks.

TIP: Want to learn more or enhance your kids’ computer and business skills? Here’s their great companion to help them adjust on their new life in college and be at the top of their classes! Check out Training Connection here.

What are YOUR best college touring tips?

Source: Fix.com Blog

Best snowshoe tour in Bend: Wanderlust Tours

November 12, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Another day, another excellent outdoor experience with Wanderlust Tours! What makes Wanderlust the best snowshoe tour in Bend? My family and I first experienced Wanderlust during a kayak tour of the Cascade Lakes of Central Oregon, and loved our afternoon so much, we came back for a winter Cascade Mountain Snowshoe tour. Yes, Wanderlust gets our highest possible endorsement: a return visit.

What makes Wanderlust Tours great? Their access to areas off-limits to other tour operators, their expertise and professionalism, but more than anything, their guides. Wanderlust guides know their stuff—flora, fauna, and outdoor safety—but they don’t just spout it out. They teach it in a natural and enthusiastic way that gets even teens onboard. They meet their guests’ needs in the fullest extent possible, tailoring each tour to what people want to experience.

Before our Wanderlust snowshoe tour, my kids said they didn’t like snowshoeing. It’s an activity I enjoy, and drag them along for. The boys are adrenaline junkies who love downhill skiing and mountain biking: snowshoeing is too tame! However, the minute we met Wanderlust tour guide Danny, I knew their opinion was about to change. I was right: Danny met the challenge of creating snowshoe fans with enthusiasm. He understood and enjoyed kids—a crucial requirement in any guide—and treated them to an off-trail, deep powder snowshoe trek. Our tour included epic snowball fights, snow fort building, snowshoe jumping (and sort of landing) and races. Would this be everyone’s ideal snowshoe trip? Maybe not, but that’s the point: Wanderlust tailored the afternoon to us.

The nitty gritty:

We started at the Wanderlust Tours office in Bend, and drove approximately 25 minutes up Century Drive into the mountains. We stopped at Mt. Bachelor, where we donned snowshoes and took off into the woods. We weren’t restricted to trails, and while Danny guided our route, he was open to suggestions. Right away, he proved himself a good shot with a snowball, which intrigued all the kids. For the next two hours, we trekked, ran, jumped, and even dove through the snowy terrain, with short periods in which Danny reigned us in to point out various trees and moss, and to give us historical or geological lessons. We stopped mid-way for a hot chocolate break, and practiced building snow shelters just for fun. By the end of our tour, all our boys thanked me for booking the snowshoe tour, and admitted that now that they knew ‘how to make it so fun’, they’d snowshoe with me again. Win-win!

Snowshoe tours are offered by Wanderlust daily, and span half-days. This is the optional amount of time needed to gear up, get there, and return, with approximately two hours in the snow. Any longer, and we would have begun to feel the cold, and any less, and we wouldn’t have felt as though we’d gotten too far into the wilderness. Wanderlust also offers cave tours, moonlit snowshoe tours, and craft beer tours for adults. In summer, try a kayak tour!

Tips: As with all outdoor guided experiences, families will want to arrive prepared. For a snowshoe tour, wear waterproof pants and jacket (ski attire works well) and snow boots. Knitted hats and gloves are a must. If you don’t own snow pants or boots, they are available for rent. Snowshoes will be provided. We found it helpful to bring a small day pack to store extra layers and water bottles. We also brought granola bars for the van ride back down the mountain.

Date last visited:

March 2014

Distance from the interstate:

Wanderlust Tours is located in Bend, off Highway 97.

Rates:

During the time of our tour, snowshoe half-day tours were $60 for adults and $55 for kids. Children must be 8 years old and up to participate. Check the Wanderlust Tours website for specific tour date info.

Directions:

The Wanderlust Tours office is located at 61535 S. Highway 97 in Bend.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Wanderlust Tours as guests, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

How to spend two days in Banff National Park, Alberta

October 4, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Hopefully, you have more than two days to explore Banff National Park with kids, but if you are limited on time, here’s what you should do first.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies:

Whyte Museum is a great place to start. It may be small, but does an excellent job with both an art gallery and exhibits detailing the history of the park, starting with the First Nations’ presence and continuing through the establishment of the park and the role of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. When you enter, you first walk through the art gallery, which showcases Banff’s rich art history. An interesting section covers mountaineering and climbing in the park, as well as the practice of heli-skiing and backcountry winter exploration. The museum is fairly small, but you’ll still want at least 45 minutes to tour. Best of all, admission is by donation. Whyte Museum is located at 111 Bear Street.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site:

Cave and Basin marks the birthplace of Canadian national parks, with the discovery of a hot springs underground by railroad employees (of course, this cave was not a new discovery to First Nations’ tribes). Now, this hot springs is closed to swimming due to preservation of a species of snail, but visitors can learn about the history of the site and the creation of Parks Canada in exhibits in the former bathhouse changing rooms and see the site of the former pool. You can also walk through a tunnel to see the still-bubbling sulphuric water in the original cave, as well as view the outdoor basin where the water pools. Admission is affordable, and there are boardwalks adjacent for a short hike around the site. Plan to spend about 45 minutes, then head to Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can swim in even warmer waters. Cave and Basin is located at 311 Cave Avenue.

Banff Upper Hot Springs:

The Upper Hot Springs features a large outdoor pool located at a historic Banff bathhouse (that now also houses a spa). The temperature of the water is a respectable 104 degrees (40 C), and admission is very affordable. We forgot a bathing suit, and found out traditional bathing costumes of the ’20s and ’30s can be rented for just $1.90…fun and a deal! You can also rent towels, and there are large, clean locker rooms for changing. If you want to stay awhile, there’s a cafe upstairs in the bathhouse, and hiking trails nearby. If the weather is clear, pair an afternoon at the hot springs with a ride up the gondola, located nearby. Banff Upper Hot Springs is located on Mountain Avenue.

Surprise Corner:

So named for the surprise view of the beautiful Bow Valley and Banff Springs Hotel, this corner along Tunnel Mountain Road has a dedicated pull out and parking lot and observation deck. Take some photos and tell the kids about the role the hotel and the railroad had in Banff tourism (the hotel was built to lure rail passengers to the area). Look for wildlife here!

Hoodoos:

The Hoodoos feature geological formations similar to those found in Bryce Canyon in Utah, but more enticing is the amazing view of the Bow River and valley. Park and take the short walk to the viewpoint, bringing binoculars along; during our visit, we spotted elk grazing by the river bank far below. The loop hike starting from this location is a great option for wooded terrain and the chance to spot wildlife.

Sulphur Mountain:

For a longer, more challenging hike that’s still close to town, the 11 km round-trip up Sulphur Mountain includes winding switchbacks for amazing views of the Bow River and valley. At the top, walk over to the Cosmic Ray Station (used to take meteorological readings) and take the gondola back down to save some distance.

Tunnel Mountain:

Tunnel Mountain is located near the heart of the town and takes families up a fairly steep but short hike to the top of–you guessed it–Tunnel Mountain. The distance is 4 km round trip. The main draw? The view of the town of Banff from the top. Due to use, you’re not likely to spot a lot of wildlife on the Tunnel Mountain trail, but it is guaranteed to give you a good lay of the land.

Lake Minnewanka:

During summer, Lake Minnewanka is the place to go for canoe rentals, a guided boat ride, or picnicking. During fall, it’s far less busy, and can get windy (ask to hear the First Nations’ legends surrounding this lake), but is a good place to spot big horn sheep, and, if you’re lucky, mountain goats. Take the short drive a bit further to Two Jack Lake for even more seclusion in the off-season.

Tip: If you have more time, booking a tour with Discover Banff Tours is a good way to get oriented and learn more about the park and its wildlife. The three-hour tour may be too lengthy for very young kids, but school-aged kids will enjoy the wildlife talks, and parents will get a feel for which destinations they’d like to revisit on their own time.

Wondering where to stay in Banff? Our Banff National Park hotel pick.

As I disclose whenever applicable, portions of our activities in Banff were hosted for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Five outdoor travel experiences any family can try

August 23, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Good news parents: Most kids’ favorite vacations involve sleeping bags and campfires instead of five-star luxury and turn-down service. Traditional camping trips are a crowd favorite, but if you’re looking for something a bit further off the beaten path of family travel, check out one of the following outdoor travel experiences any family can enjoy, no prior wilderness knowledge necessary.

1. Spend a night in a fire tower lookout.

Un-used or seasonally manned fire tower lookouts dot US Forest Service lands, especially in the Western states. Many of these lookouts are available for seasonal rental. Our fire lookout stay at Pickett Butte, Oregon included two nights in an isolated three-story high tower, with plenty of room to play, hike, and let our dog roam. We enjoyed downtime, plenty of paperbacks, roaring campfires, and the excitement of sleeping above the treetops while the wind blew. Fire lookouts are available to reserve via Recreation.gov, just like state campground sites.

2. Book an overnight river rafting trip.

Untried on the river? Don’t try to plan an overnight float trip by yourself. We’ve seen the results first-hand (and they usually involve stuck rafts and miserable families). When we wanted to explore Oregon’s backcountry via the Rogue River, we entrusted our vacation to OARS, who took care of everything from experienced rafting guides to three-course meals. Rafting tours are available in most states, with the most popular overnight trips for families in California, Oregon, Utah, and Idaho.

3. Go dog sledding.

A day trip that involves speed, snow, and happy, barking canines? Sign us up! The best dog-sledding tours will include educational opportunities for kids to learn about the history and practice of dog sledding, as well as time to greet the dogs, learn about their care, and see where they eat and sleep. We loved our dog sledding tour in Big White, British Columbia, as well as our summer tour of a dog sledding training facility in Juneau, Alaska.

4. Rent a state park yurt.

Want to camp in the Pacific Northwest in the off-season, but don’t have an RV or camper to keep warm? No problem: rent a state park yurt. Reservable via Recreation.gov, state park yurts in Washington and Oregon (as well as other states across the US) provide families with just enough comfort to still be considered a camping trip. Yurts along the Pacific coast provide heat, electricity, and beds… perfect for a weekend of whale watching or winter storm viewing. Reserve early: yurts are very popular!

5. Take a hut-to-hut ski or hike tour.

Perhaps you grew up taking overnight backpacking trips, but your children aren’t quite old enough to carry full packs of gear (yet). Or maybe you’d like to get into the sport, but are first-timers. Enter hut-to-hut hiking or skiing, where families can enjoy the backpacking experience combined with the comfort and security of a winterized (and sometimes stocked) hut at the end of each day’s journey. Our favorite hut-to-hut trips are located in the heart of the White Mountains, run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Families can opt to trek on their own, or base in one of AMC’s family-friendly lodges such as the Highland Center Lodge for a guided day trip. Just in time for summer, AMC has extended their guided family vacations.

Photo credit: Amy Whitley, Flickr Creative Commons

Three multigenerational trip ideas in the outdoors

April 10, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Multigenerational travel is so important in today’s reality of extended family often living great distances away, and kids becoming more and more scheduled, with less opportunity for quality time with parents and grandparents. We’ve written extensively on the type of trips that make for ideal multigenerational trips, the best of which include group tours led by experts in the outdoors. Why do these work so well? Because putting someone else in charge takes the pressure and stress off the adults, and spending your vacation in the wilderness (or even just outdoors) eliminates the distraction and intrusion of screens, kids’ clubs, and activities that separate family members.

And guess what? Your kids won’t fight you on it. At least not for long. Because we’ve taken a ton of trips of various types, and here’s what they love: simplicity, togetherness, unstructured free time, and most of all, chilled parents.

Three multigenerational trip ideas:

1. At a national park. Can you DIY a national park trip? Of course. But you won’t always want to, especially if you’re visiting a very popular park in peak season. Take Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as an example. These are among our all-time favorite parks, but the traffic jams in summer can be off-putting. How to remedy this situation: book a Yellowstone trip with a guided service like Austin Adventures. When we visited Yellowstone with a family vacation expert leading our tour, we enjoyed a fully catered experience that left the adults relaxed and happy and the kids engaged. With the insider knowledge of an expert, we planned a trip that skipped the popular attractions like Old Faithful when they were most crowded, bringing us to view the geyser when the crowds had dispersed. We got off the beaten path into the wilds of the parks, and best of all, my parents never had to worry about driving and my husband and I never had to give a thought to what was for dinner.

Dan Austin, the founder of Austin Adventures, has been leading Yellowstone trips for 25 years. Now, his capable son and daughter are running the show. A Yellowstone trip with them lasts almost a week, and you don’t miss any of the traditional national park fun your family looks forward to, like participating in Junior Rangers or checking out the museums and gift shops. You just get more: more park, more family time, more insider knowledge.

2. On a small ship cruise. Any cruise is a good bet for a multigenerational group, as it has so much for everyone to do. But on mega cruise ships, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. What I mean by this: with so many different directions to scatter, families find themselves just as busy as at home, and spending just as little time together. When we embarked on a small ship cruise (we’ve done two: one with Alaskan Dream Cruises and one with Uncruise), we found that we were busy and engaged together, with active grandparents participating right alongside the kids. Destinations for small ship cruises are endless, though we do recommend nature-focused cruises to locations like Alaska and Costa Rica because kids become so entranced by the wildlife and hiking and adventuring. When grandparents need a break, ship time is relaxed and pampering, and everyone eats meals together; a great time to compare notes on the day.

3. On the river: If you really want to get away with your family without distractions, go on a river rafting trip. We’ve done many, all with O.A.R.S. Rafting and we’ve loved them all, from Oregon’s Rogue River to Idaho’s Salmon River to points in-between. We’ve gone on river trips as a mother-son adventure, with grandparents, and even as a couples-only getaway. O.A.R.S. takes care of everything, so there’s no experience required, and you’re truly in remote country, so you can say adios to your cell phone, laptop and any other screens. The detox from technology is amazing.

Have you planned a multigenerational trip in the outdoors? Where have you gone?

Disclosure: This post written in partnership with Austin Adventures, to help spread the word about the importance of family travel vacations.